Can Bearings Be Replaced? Wml520P(Uk)R

[kbs]

Hi all,

I've looked through your site for various topics about replacing the bearings in my WML520P(UK)R.

The bearings are currently only very slightly noisey and I'm mechanically fairly capable.

The great spares site associated with this forum lists drums complete but not bearings, elsewhere it refers to changing bearings and spider for wm* machines excluding the WMA models.

I would like to change bearings only, will be a case of removing spider and inspecting/measuring the surface the bearing runs on.

Are there bearing kits (with or without spider) for this model?

All advice greatfully received.

Kbs

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Thanks Kbs. If the drum bearings aren't shown separately it will be one of those machines where they aren't replaceable. It looks like it's one of those horrendous welded tubs which cannot be taken apart

 

[kbs]

Thanks Root,

I was wondering how on earth the inner bearing could be extracted... no visible way of accessing it from the 'front'.

Thought there might be special tool that fitted inside the bearing to pull against the back of the drum.

Now I know its just scrap.

Whats the point of paying the higher cost of a Hotpoint machine if they are going to sh** on you like this?

Bargain basement cheap n nasties for me from now on, won't hurt so much when they have to be binned.

Thanks again

Kb

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Sadly Hotpoint make some very expensive models crammed with features but not high build quality, which is one of the reasons I wrote my article is a more expensive washing machine a better washing machine?

[kbs]

Hi Root,

Nice article - the idea of doubling the price to get a few extra features is a common one in the electronics industry. Before multiple firmware versions were installed on TV chassis for example, all you often needed was the remote control from the posh one to get the same features from the cheap one. Much the same moan about 'labour only' warranties - doesn't matter if the parts are cheap if it costs £100 for a call out and the job can be strectched to ensure the labour cost covers the parts/labour and generates a healty mark up.

Real shame that even the old brand names now just seek to f*** over the customer for every penny they can possibly extract.

A few years back I bought a nice branded tumble drier - got it home - plugged it in to hear an awful noise. Fan blade was seriously mishapen, maker knew but sold them anyway and wanted to me to wait home for an engineer to visit and fix. Returned it to currys who had be educated as they thought I had to either ship it to the supplier or wait for the supplier to collect it.

No wonder the high street is dying.... Perhaps I can cut out the thieveing UK b******** alltogether and import direct from China?

Brewing a foul email for Hotpoint customer service now.........

Thanks again,

Kb

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

These welded tubs are a disgrace, only acceptable if bearings never fail or nothing ever gets trapped inside the drum.